Patio beers and chicken tinga tacos. Outdoor concerts. A relaxed Cross Village getaway. Here’s what our editors are loving this month.
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Ashlyn’s Swooning Over …
Summer Brews at Loco Boys
On a recent Sunday, my partner Nathan and I decided to switch up our afternoon routine. This led us to Loco Boys Brewing on Front Street. After a few visits, it’s quickly become a favorite weekend spot for patio sipping and small bites. I was delighted to find my perfect summer sipper on the menu: the Sour Señorita, a light-bodied sour beer brewed with raspberry puree. The sweetly tart flavors of this pink-hued beauty pair well with the chicken tinga tacos. My partner opted for the barbacoa, a two-hands-required burrito stuffed with braised beef, potatoes, avocado, salsa and loco-smoked queso. Loco Boys has a laid-back vibe with comfortable seating inside or on the patio. Order from your phone or walk right up to the bar. Before you cash out your tab, be sure to try the churros … you won’t be sorry.
Photo by Ashlyn Korienek
Photo by Ashlyn Korienek
Cara’s Swooning Over …
Pops Music Under the Stars
This is a favorite summer memory: My parents would take us to see the Detroit Symphony Orchestra on the lawn of Meadow Brook Amphitheater. For this special occasion, we’d get a bucket of takeout fried chicken and pair it with homemade potato salad and brownies. My dad would layer up a tarp with his old wool blanket from the Army, and we’d lie on our backs, drumsticks in hand, staring at the sky and listening to whatever pops music was on tap for the night.
Now I recreate those nights for my own kids, with a bucket of chicken from Tom’s and some cold Mawby wine in a plastic cup, at the Traverse City Philharmonic summer outdoor concerts. Last year we huddled in Rotary Square, a happy if tightly packed crowd; this year, due to popular demand, the concerts move to the Civic Center Amphitheater.
The musical themes are fun and pack broad appeal, including “Songs of Hollywood” and “Amadeus Meets Bridgerton,” which serves up some of Mozart’s greatest plus the classically inspired pop covers from the hit TV series. But if I had to pick just one, it would be “Fantasy & Sci-Fi Night,” featuring the music of Star Wars, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Superman and a personal fave, Wonder Woman, by Rupert Gregson-Williams.
Concert dates are Thursdays in July, and tickets start at $25 for general admission. Chicken optional.
Allison’s Swooning Over …
Spirit Lake Retreat
Whether you live Up North or enjoy visiting, you’ve likely heard of the Tunnel of Trees; situated north of Harbor Springs, this iconic road wends under a thick forest canopy. It’s a popular drive among fall leaf peepers and wildflower lovers alike, but it’s absolutely gorgeous any time of year.
What you might not know, is that nestled at the top of this tunnel is the idyllic burg of Cross Village. Here you’ll find beautiful beaches; the super cool Peninsulas gift shop and Three Pines Studio & Gallery; and eateries like the legendary Legs Inn, Pond Hill Farm and the new Petoskey Brewing Cross Village.
And now, visitors have a spot right in the heart of it all to rest after a fun day of sightseeing. (And trust: this boutique motel is as cute as it is convenient.)
Spirit Lake Retreat opened its doors last summer, and the two nights I spent there earlier this month were a midsummer dream. Within the cabin-like exteriors of each suite, we were greeted with fresh blooms from Village Grown Flowers, and luxe amenities like a flat screen TV, walk-in shower and the comfiest mattress ever. Outside in the common space, you’ll find fire pits, perfect for a night under the stars. Our group walked across the street to The Village Mart, stocked up on mini black bean empanadas and homemade baklava, and enjoyed a peaceful golden hour picnic before walking down to Cross Village Beach.
Photo by Allison Acosta
Photo by Allison Acosta
Carly’s Swooning Over …
The Garden Cafe at Pine Hill Nursery
Imagine a lush secret garden with delicate ferns, fluttering irises, good-natured geraniums and drowsy bees. Now, add a large, shaded patio flanked by a towering Bird of Paradise; goodies like blueberry lemon scones and grilled Italian paninis; and a glass of strawberry lemonade or Bowers Harbor chardonnay.
It’s magic.
Plus, there’s live music on Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the summer. Littles love the freezer full of ice cream bars, and parents, there’s espresso. Find the Garden Cafe within the blooms of Pine Hill Nursery on US-31 in Kewadin.